After 16 years in the wilderness, Paraguay returned to the World Cup their first appearance since 2010. Gustavo Alfaro was the man tasked with guiding them back.
Paraguay return to a World Cup after missing three consecutive editions (2014, 2018, 2022). The Albirroja qualified narrowly through CONMEBOL under Gustavo Alfaro, who replaced Daniel Garnero in 2024. The squad combines Olimpia and Cerro Porteño talent with Miguel Almirón, Andrés Cubas, and Julio Enciso leading the European-based contingent.
Paraguay experienced an inconsistent group stage, mixing moments of promise with frustrating setbacks. They survived a penalty shootout against Germany in the Round of 32, and were narrowly knocked out by France in the Round of 16. The narrowest of defeats against France ended what had been a promising tournament run.
1won2drawn2lost
3scored6conceded
Failed to score in 2 of 5 matches just 1 win in 5 matches.
Miguel Almirón, 31, is Atlanta United's Paraguayan winger after a return from Newcastle United. His pace and work-rate on the counter have been crucial to Paraguay's qualification push. Julio Enciso led Paraguay's attack with 1 goal at the 2026 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Galarza and Mauricio, all with 1. Level with Galarza and Mauricio on 1.
Conceded in only 3 of 5 matches
Alfaro, 62, has previously coached Argentina's Ecuador and Costa Rica national teams. His appointment mid-qualification steadied the team's tactical identity; Paraguay's defensive organization a national football tradition remained intact. Managed 2 nations at World Cups a Argentine at the helm.
